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A bowl of caldo de pollo with chicken, vegetables, and fresh garnishes on a rustic table.

Caldo de pollo

Jordan Mike
Discover the bold flavors of beef bacon with this easy recipe! Perfectly crispy and versatile, it's ideal for breakfast, snacks, or gourmet dishes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:

Chicken (1.5–2 lbs):

  • Use bone-in pieces like drumsticks thighs, or a combination of both for a richer, more flavorful broth.

Vegetables:

Carrots (2 large):

  • Peeled and sliced into thick rounds.

Celery (2 stalks):

  • Cut into bite-sized pieces.

Potatoes (2 medium):

  • Peeled and cubed for a hearty texture.

Zucchini (1 medium):

  • Sliced into rounds or half-moons for a fresh earthy taste.

Corn (2 ears):

  • Cut into chunks or use 1 cup of frozen corn if fresh isn’t available.

Aromatics:

White Onion (1 small):

  • Halved for easy removal after cooking.

Garlic (4 cloves):

  • Crushed to release its aroma.

Broth Base:

Chicken Stock (8 cups):

  • Adds depth and richness to the soup. Use homemade or store-bought.

Water (2–3 cups): To adjust the soup’s consistency.

Seasonings:

Salt (to taste):

  • Enhances the natural flavors.

Black Pepper (1 teaspoon):

  • Adds subtle warmth.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

  • A staple in Mexican cuisine for earthy flavor.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon):

  • Adds herbal notes to the broth.

Optional Garnishes and Add-Ons:

Fresh Cilantro:

  • Chopped and sprinkled on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Lime Wedges:

  • Squeezed over the soup for a zesty twist.

Avocado Slices:

  • For creaminess and added nutrients.

Cooked Rice or Tortillas:

  • To make the dish heartier and more filling.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken and Broth

  • In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, place the chicken pieces and cover them with 8 cups of chicken stock and 2 cups of water.
  • Add the onion halves and crushed garlic cloves to the pot for an aromatic base.
  • Sprinkle in the seasonings: salt, pepper, ground cumin, and oregano.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. Simmer for about 20–25 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Add the Vegetables

  • Carefully remove the cooked onion halves and discard them.
  • Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and corn chunks to the pot. Let these cook for 10 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
  • Stir in the zucchini and let the soup simmer for another 5–10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Adjust and Taste

  • Check the soup for seasoning and adjust as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of chili flakes if you want a hint of heat.
  • If the broth seems too thick, add an extra cup of water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve the Caldo de Pollo

  • Ladle the caldo de pollo into large bowls, ensuring each serving includes a mix of chicken, vegetables, and broth.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Optional Add-Ons

  • Add slices of avocado on top for extra creaminess.
  • Serve with warm corn tortillas or a side of steamed rice to make the meal more filling.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 500mg

Recipe Categories

  • Course: Main Course, Soup
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
  • Method: Simmered, One-Pot
  • Keyword: Caldo de pollo recipe, traditional chicken soup, Mexican soup
  • Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly
Keyword Caldo de pollo recipe, Mexican soup, traditional chicken soup